SANTA CLARA -- Coach Jim Harbaugh said 49ers' second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick is handling preparation for his first playoff game with aplomb.

"His understanding of it this early in the week is savant-like," Harbaugh said of Kaepernick's grasp of the game plan for Saturday's contest against the Green Bay Packers.

Kaepernick and the rest of the players receive the game plan in segments. So far, Harbaugh said, Kaepernick seems unfazed by the challenge.

"It will a big challenge," Harbaugh said, "and one that Colin is very excited about. He's so far, now it's early, but expectations will be high that he will be on it as well. He's got a good grasp of the game plan so far. ... So that's really encouraging."